Orthopaedics
The Orthopedic team is headed by:-
Malcolm G Ness BVetMed, CertSAO, DipECVS, FRCVSRCVS and European Specialist in Surgery
With an international reputation for experience and expertise in the field of orthopaedics Malcolm Ness is the most experienced Specialist Veterinary Surgeon working in the North of England.
Malcolm has an interest in all aspects of companion animal surgery and clinical care, he teaches his subject in Europe and North America as well as the UK.
He has research interests in the biomechanics of bone and joint disease and has published papers in these areas with two colleagues he has developed a bone plate which is now used widely in veterinary medicine.
Jonathan Bell B&VMS, Cert SAS, DipECVS, MRCVS
Jonathan Bell holds a European Diploma in Orthopedics meaning that Croft have the only two recognised surgeons in the North East. Jonathan accepts referrals from vets throughout the North-East in all areas of surgery and spinal disease but has a special interest in ear, nose and throat surgery and advanced diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, arthroscopy and radiography including CT imaging.
The Animal Orthopaedic Centre at Croft Veterinary Hospital is one of the handful of the veterinary practices in the UK able to offer a full range of veterinary orthopaedic operations and other treatments and is the only centre in the region to be approved (both by RCVS and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons) for the training of qualified vets up to Specialist status – independent verification of outstanding clinical standards.Being able to call upon a team of several experienced fracture surgeons and with the support of an experienced team of theatre and kennel nurses alongside our physiotherapy and rehabilitation service, the equipment, facilities and personnel at the Animal Orthopaedic Centre offers veterinary patients the very best chance of recovery from even the most serious accident or trauma.
Fully equipped with an extensive range of implants and instrumentation including standard internal fixation (bone plates and screws, pins, wires etc); external fixators – (linear and Illizarov/ring
fixators) for the management of growth problems/limb deformities as well as advanced locking plate technologies, for use in the treatment of severe and complex fractures, the Animal Orthopaedic Centre at Croft can deal with even the most challenging and serious cases.
Internal Medicine – Louise Mclean BVSc, cert SAM, MRCVS
With further qualification in small animal internal medicine and a track record of clinical research in this field alongside more than 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine, Louise Maclean MRCVS is the ideal person to head up the Animal Medical Centre at Croft Veterinary Hospital.
The Animal Medical Centre has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment including a fully equipped diagnostic laboratory, ultrasound – including colour flow Doppler for the investigation of complex cardiac problems, a range of fibre-optic scopes for detailed internal examinations as well as the services of the Animal Imaging Centre for complex X-ray and CT scan investigations.
Croft Veterinary Hospital offers extensive treatment facilities with potential for continuous intravenous fluid therapy, blood transfusions as well as a range of more complex medical therapies and interventions. With a range of medical wards – including intensive care facilities and a purpose-built isolation ward for infectious patients – The Animal Medical Centre is fully staffed round-the-clock by caring and competent vets and nurses offering a unique level of care for even the sickest pets.
Louise is currently researching aspects of hyperadrenocorticism as part of an FRCVS Diploma programme and she is well placed to provide sound practical advice on the diagnosis and management of this fascinating condition.
Allergy and Dermatology – Judith Joyce BVetMed, Cert SAD, MRCVS
Judith Joyce MRCVS is amongst the most experienced veterinary clinical dermatologists working in the UK. Aside from her ability as a leading clinical dermatologist, Judith’s experience and expertise in the subject has led to her being invited to lecture at home and overseas, and has seen her acting as Chief Examiner for the internationally respected RCVS dermatology certificate qualification..
Skin disease in domestic pets is extremely common and while most problems can be dealt with effectively in general veterinary practice, some cases prove more difficult and that’s where Judith comes in. With an in-depth knowledge of all things allergic and dermatological supporting her wealth of clinical experience as a consultant veterinary dermatologist she will often make good progress with cases that have left others floundering.
Dermatology cases, allergic or otherwise often have very long and complex histories so an initial consultation for a skin case will be scheduled for 60 minutes or more. Much of the essential diagnostic testing including skin scrapes, skin biopsies allergy testing etc can be done by Judith the same day, either through our own in-house diagnostic laboratory or in collaboration with specialised dermo-histopathologists.
Ophthalmology – John Errington BVMS, Cert V Ophth, MRCVS
In the early 1980’s, John was one of the very first practitioners to gain an RCVS certificate. Since then he has spent most of his professional time treating eyes, initially in primary care practice but for the last 10 years or so exclusively in referral practice making him one of the most experienced veterinary ophthalmologists in the country.
Just as in humans, the development of a lens cataract can render the pet blind. Lens removal (”lendectomy”) can restore sight but the surgery is technically difficult and not without complication. In humans, most lens removal is by phacoemulsification (”phaco-lendectomy”). John has extensive experience of phaco-lendectomy in dogs and modern phacoemulsification machinery means that many more dogs and the North of England will have the chance of seeing again.
Physiotherapy – Hellen Swales MSc Vet Physio Category A member ACPAT
The Animal Physiotherapy and Rehab Centre at Croft Veterinary Hospital is led by Helen Swales Msc Vet Physio Cat member ACPAT a dual qualified physiotherapist who works with both human and veterinary patients.
Through her diverse qualifications and years of experience, Helen has a wealth of expertise.
Assisted Reproduction – Louise Mclean BVSc, cert SAM, MRCVS
The Animal Reproduction Centre at Croft Veterinary offers a range of valuable services to dog breeders including precision in-house progesterone testing to optimise mating time, pre-breeding checks, semen evaluation, investigation of infertility, artificial insemination including transcervical intrauterine AI.
Working alongside Louise is Lynda Heron, an experienced breeder and judge of Labrador retrievers and a member of the Labrador Breed Council Health Committee. We can advise and assist with the collection, freezing and export of semen from selected dogs as well as the receipt and insemination of bitches using imported material.
Rabbit – Rieke Hettrick BVMS, MRCVS
Rieke has a special interest and expertise in rabbit medicine and surgery, she has been at the forefront of the development of the rabbit ward and services at the hospital and offers referral service to other veterinary surgeons.